The Musicscope

The music of Washington DC has long been driven by the DIY or do-it-yourself ethos. Artists from all genres have continually introduced unique contributions to DC’s music community on their own terms, which in turn have inspired scenes across the United States. One of the most influential elements is DC’s punk scene. Emerging in the late 1970’s, it  was ignited by bands such as Bad Brains and the...

Mike spoke with Eric Axelson, bassist of Milliseconds and the Dismemberment Plan to discuss how technology has influenced him and what changes are alive in music today. Eric also shares some D-Plan history, gear knowledge and what influences made him the unique player he is today.  You can check out Eric's new band, Milliseconds on all the socials, and hear his work with Dismemberment Plan an...

People love Christmastime, and Christmas music is a large part of the season. From centuries-old hymns to inspirational (and inescapable) pop versions of holiday classics, you can't have Christmas without the music we all know and love. Join us and explore the history of Christmas music on a special holiday episode of The Musicscope. Let me know what you like and what you want me to explore n...

Since ancient times, musicians have been the conduit for the music people hold sacred. From providing music strictly for worship to managing an army of supporting cast at concerts for thousands of people, the role of the musical artist has evolved significantly throughout the ages. Join me as we explore how the musician's role and responsibilities have changed over the years.   Let me know wh...

The electric guitar is the instrument most associated with rock. When we think of rock guitar, we often conjure images of wild solos, loud riffs, and even smashed instruments, but that's just a sliver of the guitar's history.  In this episode, we explore the guitar's humble origins, transformations and innovations during its rich history.  Check out each guitarist discussed in the e...

In the past 100 years, music has experienced change at a never-before-seen pace. People have gone from listening to local talent playing at town fairs to instantly streaming music from all over the world. Technology's effect on the broadcast, recording, and instruments themselves has transformed the way people create and consume music. In this episode, we explore the past 100 years of innovat...

Jon Brown and Kevin Inge of Horsehead are avid students of all things rock n roll. On this episode, they join Mike and discuss their own introduction to the first rock n roll era, admiration for people like Sam Phillips and Little Richard, and how the guitar was pushed to the forefront.  Check out Horsehead's latest release, Pageant Wave at Horseheadmusic.com or on your favorite streaming ser...

Don McLean wrote his epic 'American Pie' as a tribute to Big Bopper Richardson, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly and the loss of Rock N Roll's innocence. Why was the plane crash that took their lives so significant, and what were the effects of that loss? Join us as we explore each of the artists, their rise to fame, and the tour that would lead to their deaths.  Check out the full p...

This week on the Musicscope we explore how Sam Phillips helped develop the sound and talent that would influence the early sound of rock n roll.   Sun studio's output in the 1950s would shape the sound of rock and bring BB King, Rufus Thomas, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and... oh yeah, Elvis Presley... into the spotlight.  Studio techniques li...

On our inaugural episode, we dive into the origins of Rock n' Roll. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, technology, culture, and regions merged to create a unique blend of music that ignited the Rock N Roll movement. We explore early contributions from Howlin' Wolf, Ike Turner, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley, Little Richard, and more. We also examine the cultural significance of Rock...